Legally Sound with Richard Reed

Richard Reed solicitors

Welcome to Legally Sound with Richard Reed – the podcast where we dive into the intricacies of the law and uncover how the justice system impacts our daily lives. Join us as we break down complex legal topics with the help of experienced legal professionals, making the world of law easier to understand and navigate. From family law to employment law, we’ll explore issues that touch everyone at some point in their lives. Throughout this series, the team from Richard Reed will share their insights, practical advice, and tips from their areas of legal expertise.

  1. Sep 16

    Considering Short Term Lets and Buy-to-Let Mortgages with Hannah Cullen and Steve Lightley

    Welcome to Legally Sound with Richard Reed, the podcast that simplifies the law and explores how it affects our daily lives. In this episode, Sarah Reid is joined by buy-to-let specialist Hannah Cullen and mortgage adviser Steve Lightley. They discuss property law with a focus on short term and Airbnb type lettings specifically. Letting a property out by the night rather than the year can look like the obvious way to get more from a buy-to-let investment. The returns are often better and the flexibility is appealing, particularly with the Renters' Rights Act changing how longer tenancies work. But permission to let short term isn't automatic. It can be restricted by your mortgage conditions, the covenants on your title, the terms of a lease or the council's planning rules. Sarah is joined by Hannah and Steve to explain what needs checking before you commit, how lenders view short term letting differently, and what happens when a property is being used in a way that hasn’t been signed off on. Here's what we'll cover in this episode: · Why not every mortgage allows short-term letting · How lenders stress test income that only comes in seasonally · Restrictive covenants, lease restrictions, and who needs to give consent · Planning permission, the 90 day rule in London, and Article 4 directions elsewhere · Insurance, and what changes once you have paying guests rather than tenants · The consequences of breaching your mortgage conditions and what sellers need to provide Whether you're buying your first investment property or already letting a property out, this episode will help you understand what's allowed, what isn't, and what to sort out before you commit. References: Buy to Let Blog Post: https://richardreed.co.uk/short-term-lets-key-risks-and-complications-to-consider/ Get in touch: Website: https://richardreed.co.uk/ Phone: 0191 567 0465 Email: info@richardreed.co.uk Connect: Sarah Reid: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahreid-/ Steve Lightley: steve.lightley@firstmortgagene.co.uk First Mortgage NE Website: https://www.firstmortgage.co.uk/branches/north-east-england/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=17364676705&utm_term=first%20mortgage%20north%20east&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17364676705&gbraid=0AAAAAD-hX3Z7WHvTD1cXz4PnoX6nb27Mg&gclid=Cj0KCQjwh4TVBhCWARIsAG0czmq45JLfJfhHcgIyHZFIlz-SahYzTcVVjRTMsU4Pn5Eeua_W6u0TA0caAqhIEALw_wcB

    Considering Short Term Lets and Buy-to-Let Mortgages with Hannah Cullen and Steve Lightley
  2. Jul 22

    Family Law, Divorce and Mediation with Matthew Lockey and Sophie Milliken

    Family Law, Divorce and Mediation with Matthew Lockey and Sophie Milliken Welcome to Legally Sound with Richard Reed, the podcast that simplifies the law and explores how it affects our daily lives. In this episode, Sarah Reid is joined by Matthew Lockey, Head of Private Family Team and Associate Solicitor at Richard Reed Solicitors, and Sophie Milliken, CEO of Moja. Together, they unpack the realities of family law in England and Wales, from the moment a relationship breaks down through to financial settlement, child arrangements and life on the other side. They cover what the process actually looks like, what it costs emotionally and practically, and how mediation can offer a faster, less adversarial route for families who want to avoid the courtroom. Here's what we'll cover in this episode: What to expect when a marriage or civil partnership breaks down and the steps involved in the legal process. How divorce proceedings work in practice and what the process looks like from start to finish. Financial remedy and how courts approach the division of assets, property and pensions. Child arrangements, parental responsibility, living arrangements and how disputes are resolved. When court proceedings are necessary and what the process looks like when they are. The role of mediation and why it is often a quicker, cheaper and less damaging alternative to litigation. How to choose the right legal support and what to look for in a family law solicitor. Practical advice on protecting your interests and those of your children from the outset. This episode is essential listening for anyone navigating the breakdown of a relationship, considering separation, or supporting a friend or family member through the process, and for anyone who wants to understand their rights before they ever need them. Get in touch: Website: https://richardreed.co.uk/ Phone: 0191 567 0465 Email: info@richardreed.co.uk Contact Matthew: https://richardreed.co.uk/team/matthew-lockey/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-lockey-19b04ba3/ Resources: Pathfinder Pilot Scheme Report: research into an approach in some family courts that front‑loads welfare assessment and child‑focused work to streamline cases and improve outcomes for children Resolution: family law association promoting constructive, amicable approaches.

    Family Law, Divorce and Mediation with Matthew Lockey and Sophie Milliken
  3. Apr 23

    Updates to the Employment Rights Act with Kat Moody and Nikki Masterman

    Welcome to Legally Sound with Richard Reed, the podcast that simplifies the law and explores how it affects our daily lives.  In this episode, Sarah Reid is joined by Employment Law & Dispute Resolution Associate Solicitor Kat Moody and Founder and CEO of Inspired HR, Nikki Masterman.  Together, they break down the Employment Rights Act 2025 and its staged rollout across 2026 and 2027 – one of the biggest shake‑ups in UK employment law in decades. They explain what’s changing, when it takes effect, and what employers, especially small and medium‑sized businesses, need to be doing now to stay compliant, manage costs and reduce their risk. Here’s what we’ll cover in this episode: National minimum wage increases and common compliance pitfalls.Major reforms to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), including day‑one rights and removal of the lower earnings limit.New day‑one rights for paternity and parental leave.Protecting staff and managing risk.The creation of the Fair Work Agency and what it could mean for inspections and enforcement.Unfair dismissal protection after six months’ service.What employers should be doing now.This episode is essential listening for employers, HR professionals and employees who want a clear, practical guide to how the new Employment Rights Act will affect workplaces and how to get prepared in good time. Get in touch: Website: https://richardreed.co.uk/ Phone: 0191 567 0465 Email: info@richardreed.co.uk

    Updates to the Employment Rights Act with Kat Moody and Nikki Masterman
  4. 11/12/2025

    Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse with Matthew Lockey & Julie Robinson

    Welcome to Legally Sound with Richard Reed, the podcast that simplifies the law and explores how it affects our daily lives. In this important and sensitive episode, we’re raising awareness of domestic abuse, looking at what it really means, the legal protections available, and how community support can help people take those first steps towards safety and recovery. We’re joined by Matthew Lockey, Associate Solicitor at Richard Reed Solicitors, and Julie Robinson, Service Manager at Impact Family Services, who have come together to highlight how legal and emotional support can work hand in hand to make a difference. In this episode, we’ll cover: What domestic abuse really means and how it can take many formsCommon misconceptions and why victims may struggle to seek helpLegal protections available, including injunctions and non-molestation ordersHow Impact Family Services supports individuals and families beyond the legal processHow legal and support services can collaborate to help survivors rebuild their livesThis episode is a reminder that domestic abuse can affect anyone, but no one has to face it alone. If any of the topics discussed in this episode affect you, please reach out for support using the resources below. Get in touch: Richard Reed Solicitors 0191 567 0465 | info@richardreed.co.uk | Impact Family Services Connect: Matthew Lockey: LinkedIn Julie Robinson: LinkedIn Resources: National Domestic Abuse Helpline (24/7) 0808 2000 247 National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV): Free legal help with emergency injunctions and protection orders.Women’s Aid Information, support, and access to local services.Respect Support for those wanting to change abusive behaviour and professionals working with perpetrators.HollieGuard: – Personal safety app that alerts trusted contacts if you’re in danger.Clare’s Law: Check if a partner has a history of abuse.Connected Families CIC: Community support and advocacy for families affected by abuse.Wearside Women in Need (WWiN): Refuge, advice, and support for women and children in Sunderland.Galop: LGBTQ+ anti-abuse charity providing confidential support.

    Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse with Matthew Lockey & Julie Robinson
  5. 10/01/2025

    The Legal Implications of Cohabitation with Matthew Lockey & Debra Taylor 

    Welcome to Legally Sound with Richard Reed, the podcast that simplifies the law and explores how it affects our daily lives. In this episode, Sarah Reid is joined by Matthew Lockey and Debra Taylor from the Family Law team at Richard Reed Solicitors for an insightful discussion on the legal differences between cohabiting and married couples. With more couples choosing to live together without tying the knot, it’s important to understand the legal implications of each path. What rights do you really have if you're not married? What should you be thinking about when it comes to finances, children, or even separation? Here’s what we’ll cover in this episode: The truth about “common-law marriage”, and why it’s a myth Key legal differences between marriage and cohabitation Protections and agreements you can put in place as a cohabiting couple What happens when children are involved The legal discussions and difficulties around changing cohabitation law How assets are treated depending on your relationship status If you're living with your partner, or thinking about it, this episode is essential listening to help you understand your legal position and protect your future. Get in touch: Richard Reed Solicitors: Website: https://richardreed.co.uk/ Phone: 0191 567 0465 Email: info@richardreed.co.uk Connect: Sarah Reid: LinkedIn Matthew Lockey: Matthew.lockey@richardreed.co.uk Debra Taylor: debra.taylor@richardreed.co.uk References: Resolution: Cohabitation Martin Lewis Article: Is being married financially worth it?

    The Legal Implications of Cohabitation with Matthew Lockey & Debra Taylor 

About

Welcome to Legally Sound with Richard Reed – the podcast where we dive into the intricacies of the law and uncover how the justice system impacts our daily lives. Join us as we break down complex legal topics with the help of experienced legal professionals, making the world of law easier to understand and navigate. From family law to employment law, we’ll explore issues that touch everyone at some point in their lives. Throughout this series, the team from Richard Reed will share their insights, practical advice, and tips from their areas of legal expertise.